Obituary: Stephen A. O’Neill, 71

Longtime Rockville Centre resident Stephen A. O’Neill died peacefully in his home on Oct. 15. He was 71.

O’Neill was a graduate of East Hartford High School and Fairfield University. He enlisted in the Army in 1966, was promoted to First Lieutenant and decorated for his service in the Vietnam War. He returned to New York City in 1969 where he met Susan, whom he married one year later. Susan and Stephen lived in Rockville Centre for 33 years, before retiring in Rock City Falls, N.Y. in 2008.

Stephen worked as an Executive Recruiter before moving to employment search work at Lee Hecht Harrison, where he was highly regarded for his devotion to and care in advising those in employment and career transition. In his retirement he was an active member of the Republican Party, committed to supporting local political efforts in Saratoga County.

He will be remembered for being a loving husband, father and grandfather, for his devilish wit, skilled storytelling and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, usually with a joke. He was a man of faith and principle, with a passion for learning, particularly in the realm of history and politics. He appreciated the art of a handwritten letter, the changing of the leaves and taking the scenic route. Most of all, he loved the life he built with his wife of almost 44 years, and made that clear every day.

He is survived by his wife Susan, son Brian, daughter Christine, daughter-in-law Dorothy, and grandchildren Mallory and Jack.

A wake will be held at Waterbury & Kelly Funeral Home of Briarcliff Manor at 1300 Pleasantville Road on Friday, October 24, from 4-8.